What Causes Night Sweats in Men?

Low Testosterone Levels

Men can experience night sweats due to low testosterone levels Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , also called male hypogonadism. Around 38% of men 45 years or older Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source have low testosterone levels for a variety of reasons, and even otherwise healthy men have a 20% likelihood of having low testosterone levels if they are over 60 years old. The causes of male hypogonadism Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source vary dramatically but can be categorized into primary, which refers to a problem with the testicles, and secondary, which refers to a problem with the part of the brain that controls hormone production.

Other symptoms of low testosterone levels include:

• Low libido and erectile dysfunction
• Loss of body and facial hair
• Weakness and fatigue
• Lower muscle mass and increased body fat

Night sweats caused by low testosterone levels can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy or by treating the underlying cause of the low hormone levels.

Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety makes sweat glands more responsive Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and people with high stress or anxiety levels are more likely to experience night sweats. These effects are true for both short-term and chronic anxiety, with some research showing that even the stress of trying to solve a math problem can affect sweat gland responsiveness.

While women are nearly twice as likely Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, men are also significantly less likely  Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to report or seek help for mental health symptoms. The symptoms of stress can also differ between men and women, with women having more emotional responses, like sadness, and men experiencing more physical symptoms, such as changes in diastolic blood pressure. However, there are more similarities than differences between male and female responses to stress.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing for multiple short periods during sleep. These pauses, or apneas, are often followed by gasping or choking sounds, and severe snoring is a common symptom of OSA. An estimated 3% to 7% of Americans have OSA, but it is three to five times Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source more common in men than in women due to differences in airway shape, obesity rates, hormones, and other factors.

Nearly a third of men with OSA report experiencing night sweats Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , rates which are three times higher than those seen in the general population. Successful treatment of sleep apnea appears to help resolve any related night sweats.

Medication

Some medications are known to cause excessive sweating Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , including night sweats. These include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hypoglycemic agents used for diabetes treatment
• Corticosteroids Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source such as cortisone

If you believe a medication could be causing your night sweats, see your doctor. It is important to always speak to your doctor before stopping or lowering the dose of a medication you have been prescribed.

Infections

Infection can cause both night sweats and unusual daytime sweating. When your body is fighting off an infection, it releases inflammatory mediators that temporarily raise your thermoneutral zone. This process begins with chills and shivering that increase your core body temperature, and it is followed by excessive sweating to decrease your temperature once your thermoneutral zone returns to normal. This cycle can occur many times throughout the course of an infection.

While many minor infections can cause night sweats, they are also a symptom of serious infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , tuberculosis Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , endocarditis Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and brucellosis Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis describes excessive sweating that occurs without ordinary triggers like exercise, heat, or stress. The sweating can be excessive enough to soak through clothing and can even cause skin problems due to the constant moisture it causes. Some people develop primary hyperhidrosis that is not caused by underlying issues, but hyperhidrosis can also be caused by a number of health conditions and medications.

The rates of hyperhidrosis are similar for both men and women Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Treatments for hyperhidrosis differ depending on the underlying cause and can include oral or topical medications, using botulinum to block neurotransmitters, and surgery.

Exercise

There is some evidence that regular exercise can lower the thermoneutral zone, causing people to start sweating at lower temperatures than usual. For example, eight to 14 days spent exercising in a hot environment can cause changes in your thermoneutral zone that may contribute to night sweats. While exercise is healthy, night sweats are also considered a symptom of sports overtraining, and it is important to discuss any new or concerning symptoms with your doctor.

Other Causes

Night sweats are a common symptom with many potential causes. Although no relationship has been found between night sweats and the risk of death, night sweats can be a symptom of some serious conditions. These include:

• Cancer: People who have cancer sometimes experience night sweats Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source as a side effect of either cancer itself or the treatment they are receiving. Cancer survivors may also have night sweats even once they are in remission. Treatment usually involves treating the cancer while using lifestyle changes or medication to ease discomfort associated with night sweats.
• Neurological Conditions: Some neurological conditions can cause either night sweats or hyperhidrosis during both the day and night. These include neuropathy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , autonomic dysreflexia Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , syringomyelia Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and stroke Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
• Hyperthyroidism: In addition to low testosterone levels, men can also develop night sweats due to hormonal conditions like hyperthyroidism Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Also known as having an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism can cause excessive sweating Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source during the day and at night. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, heart palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. Treatment involves antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, or surgery.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Night sweats are a common condition. However, since night sweats can be a symptom of health conditions that require treatment, your doctor is your best resource if you are concerned. Speak to your doctor if night sweats persist or are accompanied by other signs of a health issue, including:

• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue, weakness, or excessive daytime sleepiness
• Weight loss unrelated to lifestyle or diet changes
• Mood changes
• Fever

Even if you do not have an underlying condition causing your night sweats, you may want to speak to your doctor about treatment options if night sweats interfere with your ability to sleep comfortably.

Tips to Reduce Night Sweats

If night sweats are due to an underlying health condition, treating the condition will usually help reduce the night sweats. You can take additional measures to sleep more comfortably, including:

• Keep Cool: Although night sweats occur regardless of ambient temperature, turning on your air conditioning, buying a mattress that sleeps cool, or using breathable bedding can be more comfortable and help reduce sweating. It is also easier to get a good night’s sleep if your room is set to a comfortable temperature.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose pajamas made of a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, like cotton, can help keep you cool while allowing sweat to evaporate more quickly.
• Use Relaxation Techniques: Since stress and anxiety can worsen night sweats, relaxation techniques may be helpful for both coping with and reducing night sweats. Meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and breathing exercises are all popular techniques. Working with a professional for cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnosis may also be helpful.
• Avoid Dietary Triggers: Alcohol, caffeine Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and spicy foods Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source can all affect sweating and your internal temperature. Avoiding them, particularly at night, may help reduce your night sweats.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight may cause night sweats in some people. Obesity is also a risk factor for other conditions that may cause night sweats, such as sleep apnea, and weight loss is sometimes recommended to treat these conditions.

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